What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
By Jon Ellowitz | Published on August 27, 2009 | 0 Comments
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the medical use of high levels of oxygen – much higher than usual atmospheric pressures. In fact, oxygen pressure levels in this therapy are two and a half times the normal level in the atmosphere.
The point is to increase the oxygen levels in body tissues. This is the principle healing agent.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can effectively heal wounds by helping reduce blocked blood flow, by supporting the production of new blood vessels (to carry even more oxygen), and by enhancing the ability of white blood cells to kill harmful germs.
One chamber holds a single person has up to two entry hatches for entry. The hatches are sealed. The person lies down, relaxes, and the oxygen pressure in this glass cabin is pumped up.
There are also chambers that hold more than one person – and even a group of people sitting in chairs.
A nurse or other medical professional monitors the patients during therapy and makes sure that all the systems are performing correctly and safely.
Who’s it for?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is meant to treat an array of physical infirmities. Those with the following conditions could benefit from the heightened oxygen levels of this procedure: Decompression sickness, air embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, blood loss, healing skin grafts, thermal burns, hearing loss, gas gangrene.
Benefits
Because it increases oxygen levels in the body, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase your body’s ability to carry oxygen to tissue, fight germs, and heal wounds.
Risks
Of course, there are risks. Such changes in pressure could cause a serious condition called barotrauma – that means injuries caused by pressure after the body was unable to re-acclimate from the pressure vessel back to normal atmospheric levels. Barotrauma can affect the lungs, behind the eardrum, and underneath dental fillings.
The Bottom Line
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been emerging as a great non-surgical procedure that promotes healing in the body. It is important to learn about the risks posed by the significantly high pressure involved in this therapy.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
Best Plastic Surgeons Near New York, NY
-
Shafer Plastic Surgery
(212) 888-7770 10 East 53rd Street - 25th Floor New York,NY 10022“At Shafter Plastic Surgery in New York, NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Shafer specializes in total body & facial rejuvenation f ” – Read more
-
Sea Shore Plastic Surgery and Hand Center
(732) 649-1355 450 Jack Martin Boulevard Brick,NJ 08724“Sea Shore Plastic & Hand Surgery Center provides the latest and finest in body and facial plastic and reconstructive sur ” – Read more
-
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, PLLC
(212) 988-1800 35A East 84th Street New York,NY 10028“Located in the Upper East Side, Plastic Surgery & Dermatology is co-directed by Dr. Jody A. Levine, a Yale-trained, boar ” – Read more
-
Dr. Scott B. Wells, M.D., P.C.
(646) 863-6306 108 E 68th St New York,NY 10065“Dr. Scott B. Wells, MD., P.C. is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His specialties include facelift, b ” – Read more
-
Dr. Jennifer L. Walden M.D., Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(212) 288-9009 50 E 71st St New York,NY 10021“Specializing in cosmetic surgery of the breast and face as well as Botox and fillers, our practice philosophy is to prom ” – Read more
